On additive arithmetic functions f(n) for which \(f(an+b)-f(cn+d)\) is bounded (Q788767): Difference between revisions

\textit{E. Wirsing} [Symp. Math. 4, 45-70 (1970; Zbl 0223.10036)] showed that if an additive function f satisfies \(f(n+1)-f(n)=O(1)\), then \((*)\quad f(n)-A\quad \log n=O(1)\) holds for some constant A and all \(n\in {\mathbb{N}}\). The author generalizes this and proves that the hypothesis \(f(an+b)-f(cn+d)=O(1),\) where a, b, c and d are positive integers with ad-b\(c\neq 0\), implies (*) for all n coprime to ac(ad-bc). This solves a conjecture of Kátai. The proof is different from Wirsing's and has its roots in an earlier paper of the author [Mathematika 24 (1977), 153-165 (1978; Zbl 0369.10032)], but also requires several new ideas, which migth be of interest for themselves. An important tool in the proof is the ''dualisation'' of inequalities, a method developed and successfully applied by the author in some of his earlier works.